Russell Brand covers the July issue of Esquire UK, and all of the randy girls across the pond must be excited. It’s Rusty. Of course these ladies are thrilled even if (like me) they can’t explain why he’s so bloody irresistable beyond the fetching Essex accent, lanky limbs, and all too casual saunter. On this end, I am simply thrilled for a reason to discuss Russell beyond the scope of his Miley Cyrus post-pilates bun or (on a more serious note) in terms of testifying about addiction in front of Parliament.

Esquire UK treats Rusty fairly well here, and as far as I can ascertain, there isn’t some weird-ass, avante-grade interview going on like Esquire is wont to do. In fact, things seem pretty straightforward here except that this photoshoot appears to be unfairly airbrushed. Here are some interview excerpts, and shockingly, Rusty does discuss Katy Perry:

On the failure of his 14-month marriage: “You’ve got to really, really want it to have successful marriage. When I’m in a relationship I’m diligently monogamous and stick to the principles agreed on within that relationship. You’ve got to, I think. But it’s going to be hard if I go into a monogamous relationship. I live a life where I have a lot of freedom, so if I meet someone and I go, ‘Right let’s be monogamous,’ that’s a f—ing change. But I tried it and I loved it. I really think she’s a lovely beautiful person [Katy Perry]. It’s just hard isn’t it? She’s got a lot of options, I’ve got a lot of options, so you’ve got to really, really want it.”

Why did the marriage fail? “Some of it’s the fame, but I think getting married is — you’ve got a whole other person that you’ve got to make as important as you!”

He still wants to be married: “I’ve given over too much of my life to its pursuit. And I’ve probably harmed other people, by being selfish. And really, I’d like to be married. I’m just not transmitting that frequency of ‘Soulmate! Soulmate!’ I’m transmitting the frequency of “Mmm!’”

Maybe he’ll marry Morrissey: “This is the realisation of a childhood dream — my hero, the great artist Morrissey, affirming and praising my work. But while he’s talking, a girl with big tits walks past in the background, and I immediately look at her. It’s not even a decision — it’s more like ‘breathe,’ or ‘kidneys separate urine from water.’ It’s happening on such a deep level that stuff.’”

I have to confess that even though Morrissey drives me up the wall on an unvarying basis, I think it’s kind of cute that Rusty has a bit of crush on the eternally grumpy one. Russell even devoted a great portion of My Booky Wook to his email interactions with Morrissey, and I only flinched a little bit. Oh well.

As for Russell’s unavoidable statements about his marriage with Katy, I think he’s the type who is nice enough to not “outlaw” certain questions from journalists, and he handled the questions in as diplomatic a manner as possible. At least he’s not writing comedy sketches about her like she’s writing songs about him, right? Right.

Aside from the songs she’s written that are (presumably) about their relationship, she also responded to an untrue Perez Hilton report about her being spotted kissing Russell by saying “Gross! As if!” which I thought was really immature. Even if she totally has valid reasons to not want to ever get back with Russell, I thought it was immature for her to respond in such a juvenile way by calling him “gross.” This is her former husband, not a boy she once kissed on the playground and now thinks is “icky.” He has shown a lot more class after their divorce than she has.

He’s ‘irresistible’ because he seems to have that kryptonite combination of bad boy on the outside, total gentleman and a softie on the inside. And amazingly enough, I don’t think it’s an affected disposition for him.

T.fanty – have you ever seen him live? I saw him in Newcastle, UK which isn’t the same as watching him host or do interviews in the US. He’s utterly brilliant when he does standup, it’s quite the odyssey. He was also wearing a pair of Black Rats which are of course skin tight (what else?) ladies’ pants and you could see the whole package, front and centre. I totally squirmed, it was too much to reckon with, especially with a spotlight on it.

A few years ago, he had an interview on “Fresh Air” ( I think??) in connection with “my booky wool” coming out- I almost wrecked the car from laughing so hard! Humor trumps almost everything- serious pathology notwithstanding!

I know this is a potentially controversial comparison, but he reminds me of Howard Stern-he gives me that same vibe—-bad boy with a good heart. I love guys that are a bit naughty/mischievous but who, deep down, really worship and respect women.

I really did not know much about Howard Stern until he became a judge on America’s Got Talent (yes, I am publicly admitting to watching that show lol – I call it my summer smut). I’m completely charmed by him! For all his “shock jock-ness” I’ve heard about, he really does have a kind spirit.

@Spooks-not saying I agree with EVERYTHING he says and that’s not a cop-out, I’ve always felt like that. I’ve had moments where I cringed at some of the stuff he does/says on his radioshow but at the end of the day, I really do think he’s a good dude. He’s known as a great father, husband, and a good tipper (if that matters) and generous guy. He’s outspoken, maybe to his own detriment, but he’s sharp as a tack and beyond all the dumb fart jokes etc, he really does have a brilliant comedic mind.

@The Original Kitten: I don’t listen to him now, but I used to watch his show occasionally on E or wherever it aired. I don’t know how raunchy it is now, but it definitely was back then. It seems like maybe that side of him has come out more in recent years. I figured maybe it had something to do with Beth. Or maybe that’s just my perception because I think she seems to be a pretty strong and intelligent woman. They seem very happy together.

Edit: I should also point out that the tv show was almost certainly edited so that the most salacious things were shown.

@The Original Kitten: I read that article from your link and I think it shows how he distinguishes the difference between a fully consenting adult woman doing things and discussing things of a sexual nature and a woman being on the receiving end of unwanted sexual attention and advances.

Some of his listeners may not be sharp enough to see the difference (to put it kindly), but the fact that he brings up that kind of thing on his show is a great thing.

I used to not really know anything about Russell Brand, besides the crazy stories I would read about him on blogs years ago. Then my mom of all people asked me to watch him being interviewed on some talk show, saying I would really like him. I was surprised by how intelligent and thoughtful he is! I think that’s exactly why some women swoon over him (and honestly, I’m starting to really like his dirty bad boy looks too lol). Who doesn’t want a man who is insightful and well-spoken? And it’s incredible that after all the crap she put him through, he’s actually able to say only kind things about Katy Perry to the media.

he is one of those people who is attractive but not in a conventional way. His appearance is like that of a cartoon (and he dresses/photographs well for that aesthetic). His persona is strangely compelling – goofy, hyperactive, but somehow sweet and smart.

I don’t have a crush on Russel but I like him anyway. He seems like someone nice and fun to be around with. Often wonder if Noel Gallagher much more funnier now in the interviews since he’s hanging around with Russel.

I like the way he’s answering about his marriage. It’s a classy answer. And he’s right. One of the key should be that you have to really commit in “working out” your marriage.

I saw him doing stand up with Noel Fielding (of Might Boosh) and he was really funny and witty. He made a couple of comments about having needed a divorce lawyer, but there was nothing negative about his ex, even when Noel was trying to needle him!

My brain just got totally distracted by Colin Firth looking like a pimp daddy, sorry….um. I think Rusty is pretty decent in his dealings with discussing his marriage, he has never said a bad word about his ex. He really doesn’t sound ready to settle down, which is more respectable than a player like John Mayer d@~king around all these girls pretending like he’s capable of monogamy. Dear Katy: John Mayer is not your Johnny Cash, please move on/have some dignity. I say it with love.

I love the way he won’t say anything bad about Perry. Not to mention the general decency of it, it stops him looking like a hypocrite after having raved about her when they were together. I think he is one of those self-centred (rather than selfish) and impulsive people who lives in the moment and messes things up for himself (see also: Jonathan Ross/radio debacle). But he seems to realise that and doesn’t try to deny it. Underneath it all, I reckon there beats the heart of a good human being, whether his humour is to your taste or not. I happen to like raucous campness, but I can see why people don’t.

He’s at an age when he probably can reflect more maturely on failed relationships or any for that matter. There was a decent age gap with Perry. He acts childish, immature as part of his act but he has more depth from life experience.

I’ve always been a fan of his. I think he has a level of self-awareness that means he can own up to his mistakes, and he’s honest about who he is. His documentary he did about drug addiction was incredibly thoughtful and touching too. I don’t always agree with what he has to say, and I don’t find him particularly attractive, but I imagine if I met him we’d be able to have a nice chat!

I generally love Russell and love that he looks so clean here – in clean clothes. I wish he’d go back to that short hairstyle he wore some years ago. I find that more attractive than his long, often dirty looking mess of a head of hair he sports here.

I can’t believe she went from Rusty to John Mayer. That’s like traveling on a ship to another universe (the galaxy of douche).

I like Rusty a lot. I think he is funny and seems like a genuine, unaffected person in interviews. That’s quite charming, especially when viewed against some of the more, shall we say, crafted images of Hollywood.

If you don’t “Really, really want it” then you shouldn’t bother getting married in the first place. Heck they need to bring back “going steady” and let these girls have a going steady party (simulated wedding) since that seems to be all they are after anyway. It would prevent a lot of divorces.

Advice to Russell: Just because a girl claims she is “Christian” and makes you wait 3 dates before you sleep with her- does not necessarily make her a decent girl to marry.

I surely am not. Some people just can’t learn from being told, and I don’t have any stuffy religious pedestal to keep marriage on. It’s a contract, and an agreement between two people that’s different for every couple. I want my marriage to be of two committed, loving equals who know what they’re doing and think past the wedding to the marriage. I couldn’t have had that if I got married the first time I was engaged.

I’m not saying people should get married and divorced to taste the cake, I’m saying they go into it earnestly but soon realize they did not do their homework, and the second marriage is often lasting and more blissful.

Adore RB, but it seems to me that it should be decided if you really, really want it before you get married. I’s sad that some people don’t seem to see marriage as a lifelong commitment anymore.
I respect how classy he is about his divorce.

I do enjoy how respectful he is of her and how honest he is, but it irks me when celebrities talk about how hard marriage is and how you have to work on it constantly… I mean… obviously people, what did you think it would be like going into it? It’s a commitment.

Several years ago, when I first saw a photo of Russell Brand, I recall cringing a bit. Then I heard him speak in an interview & was completely charmed. I think he is very smart & articulate, with a soft heart, & that’s pretty great.

am i the only one that thinks the implication was/is KP didn’t really, really want it?
i think he’s cute but could never be more than friends with him (dirty sick syndrome) -as if i’d have a chance in hell, lol.

Well, in a way, it does make sense that their marriage didn’t last. Katy LOVES douchebags, something that, clearly, Russell isn’t. He just gave her that impression (through his looks and sense of humor).

Not a lot of people saw Arthur, I don’t think it did that well at the box office, but he was spectacular. I laughed, cringed, cried and I think there’s a lot of his own personal story. It was wonderful – I liked him before but found that movie a real eye opener to his talent.

I’ve seen him recently on chat shows and even though I’d started liking him a little bit more, his misogynist nature reared its disgusting head and I am grossed out again by him. He hasn’t changed on the inside. Still just a tongue-lagging pussyhound that sniffs women’s behinds and can’t stop. Maybe it’s just me, but I personally find that a gross characteristic. He was disgusting to Katherine McPhee when she told him to stop flirting so outrageously with her because she was happily married.

I kind of love him in those suits, instead of all gothed out and over accessorized like he is in real life. He looks extra-good all cleaned up!

She was a practice wife. A lot of people need it, because they won’t listen to the advice of those that came before them. I think that’s okay, it sounds like he learned a lot about marriage, ie. what NOT to do.

He just seems like such an honest, sweet guy. I see my fiancee in him during interviews a lot, so I can’t help but love him.

Love Rusty, and have for many years! Thanks Celebitchy for being one of the only sites who covers him in a positive and non-ignorant way. As so many of you have said, he’s a decent, good-hearted, intelligent guy, who is also very charming and witty. That alone is enough to make me a fan, but I also think he’s gorgeous. As someone pointed out, he has great bone structure. Intense eyes. Full lips. A wicked grin. And I know mileage may vary on his hair, but I love the long hair too. He may dress in kind of a bohemian/goth/hippie style a lot of the time, but as you can see here, he can also clean up really well in a suit.

BTW, he just announced his world tour yesterday. He’s going everywhere, even places like Abu Dhabi and Beirut! That’s really impressive. Check out tour dates on russellbrand.tv.

gg – I tend to agree. In real life, Russell’s hair right now isn’t quite as bottle-black as it looks in these pics. I think they emphasize it with photoshop or something. A few years ago he WAS dyeing it really black (around the time that he was in Arthur) and I didn’t care for it. His natural color is a nice dark brown.

Rusty is indeed intelligent and funny, but he must have been difficult to married to because there is lot of darkness in that dude. Katy Perry isn’t exactly the most complicated girl out there, and considering that he’s a recovering addict and she’s an LA party girl, those 2 weren’t going to work out. And of course the fact that neither one would adjust their work schedules to be together. I always wonder how celebrities are so shocked that their marriages don’t work out when they spend maybe 1 day in 14 together.

I always had the impression Brand was willing for a long time to let the world think that he screwed around on her and that ended it, despite the fact many blinds said at the time she’d started doing coke – which she had to know for a committed recovering addict was a dealbreaker. I’m not a huge fan of his comedy, but he’s far more articulate and informed about and engaged in the world than most celebs, and he’s got my respect for the way he’s handled their breakup. But I’m glad he’s finally cleared the air that he did not cheat on her – never thought that was the reason for the break up.

I’ve liked him since “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” – he was hilarious! He is smart, charming, honest, and a true gentleman. He’s also confident and an orginal – all of those qualities make him kinda hot to me.

God bless a celeb who can actually *own* their faults as a human. Maybe Russell Brand is a man-child, but at least he a) says that he is a man-child, b) disciplines his man-child tendencies to actually respect women he is/has been in a relationship with, both by not cheating and by not slamming them when the relationship has run its course. Even if that woman is Katy Perry (I couldn’t resist the Perry slam…).

In the end, being an up-front, honest, respectful man-child is a far better mode of behavior than celebrities who act like they have no faults…and MUCH better than the ones who turn sanctimonious preacher.

Yes, I think that’s a really good point about Russell. He’s not perfect by a long stretch, and he does have huge womanizing tendencies, but what sort of mitigates it is his willingness to own up to it and take responsibility for his faults/limitations. He’s been with a lot of women, and the reason very, very few of them have ever come out in the press to say anything bad about him is because he is up front and honest about what his intentions are. He treats them well and is a loving, generous, fun person to be around (and apparently, amazing in bed), but doesn’t promise anything long-term (Katy and very few others being the exception). He only promises what he can deliver. Someday he could be a great partner & father but at least he’s smart enough to know that right now he’s not quite ready for that. (Well, he made the mistake of thinking he was ready with Katy, but that was an unusual exception, for him. I think he tried his best to make it work, and when it didn’t, he was honest about what went wrong.)